Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of Motor Industry (IMI), is urging dealers to appeal to young talent looking for work as the industry approaches the busy September plate-change.

Nash said: "It is fantastic to see improved consumer confidence in the new car market, with the SMMT significantly raising its forecast for 2013.

"But September is also the time when a lot of newly qualified youngsters with GCSE’s, A Levels and Degrees will be looking for work and, despite youth unemployment, the market for the best talent is still highly competitive. So employers in our sector need to be active right now, getting their offers together and making sure they are ready to recruit."

Nash has heard from one major franchised dealership that is unable to fill sales apprenticeship vacancies and believes the Channel 4 programme ‘The Dealership’ is doing nothing to encourage young people to enter the sector. 

However, Nash beleives dealers should promote the wealth of opportunities for every level of experience and career ambition in the retail automotive industry.

He said: "With all the excitement of predictions for a bumper September as the 63-registration plate hits the roads, let’s hope the industry can deliver an excellent aftersales experience too.”